The Mayan Trail Group Tour
Join us on The Mayan Trail and explore spectacular Mayan sites in three exciting countries, Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Experience the thrilling adventure of archaeological exploration while having plenty of time to relax on the beach.
- Accommodation in standard hotels and a jungle lodge
- Max. 18 participants
- Border crossing support
- English-speaking tour guide
- Guaranteed departures
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Enjoy unique and remarkable views of nature and culture while visiting both Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. With opportunities to stand in front of an ornate temple, swim, hike, bike and marvel in the history, this tour is sure to leave a big impression on you.
After ruling the Americas for over 1000 years, the Mayan people seem to have abandoned their cities for no clear reason, leaving their sites to become overgrown. Today, these monumental examples of ancient architecture are legendary sites of mystery and intrigue. Take a trip back in time to the classical period on the tropical Yucatan Peninsula and discover these mysteries for yourself.
The Mayan Trail Group Tour
The 3-week tour will take you on a journey from Mexico to Guatemala, and then continue on to Belize. Begin by exploring the Mayan Riviera and then travel to the enchanting ruins of Chichen Itza in the Chiapas jungle. Trek on with a guide to Guatemala, where you’ll visit the colonial city of Antigua and the impressive Mayan site of Tikal. From there, you’ll finish up your trip in paradise on the island of Caye Caulker in Belize, which is the perfect location for snorkelling, diving and relaxing.
Below you’ll find the day-by-day breakdown for The Mayan Trail tour.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cancun - Playa del Carmen
Welcome to Mexico! You will arrive at the Cancun International Airport where we can pick you up for your transfer to the hotel. Afterwards you have time to take a walk along the white soft beach and admire the peacock blue sea. Enjoy the delicate Mexican flavours tasting refreshing cocktails and delicious Mexican food at the Quinta Avenida, heart of Playa del Carmen.
3* Hotel in Playa del Carmen
Day 2: Playa del Carmen – Valladolid – Chichén Itzá – Mérida
At 8:30 am you will meet your tour-guide at the hotel reception and head to vibrant Valladolid. Within a guided walking tour of the city you will see beautiful colonial buidlings as well as the cathedral Iglesia de San Servacio. Afterwards you will continue jour journey to Chichén Itza, the home of Yucatan’s most importand and popular pyramid. The ancient Mayan archaeological site has recently been declared as a UNESCO world heritage. After this exciting experience, we will go to Mérida, biggest city of Yucatán and called 'the white city' due to its numerous magnificent buildings.
3* Hotel in Mérida
Breakfast
Day 3: Mérida – Free Day
There are no activities planned for today so you can choose to explore the city on your own or take one of the optional activities which are offered. You can go diving in the mysterious and beautiful cenotes of Cuzama, or take a day tour to Celestún National Park, home to many spectacular tropical birds. There is so much to discover! Your guide is glad to give you suggestions.
3* Hotel in Mérida
Breakfast
Day 4: Mérida – Campeche
Today you will leave Merida and travel to the colonial city of Campeche. As you walk through the narrow streets of the old town, you will discover the fascinating stories and legends of pirates, conquistadors and the indigenous Maya. The city has conserved its huge bastions and ramparts which were formerly city’s major defense from pirate attacks!
4* Hotel in Campeche
Breakfast
Day 5: Campeche - Palenque
Our todays tour takes us to the jungle of Chiapas. Look forward to an informative guided visit of the Palenque Ruins in the afternoon. Palenque represents tremendous achievements in Mayan art and urban design. Centre of the site is the temple of inscriptions and a fascinating palace.
4* Hotel in Palenque
Breakfast
Day 6: Palenque – Agua Azul – San Cristobal de las Casas
Today we will first visit the waterfalls Agua Azul and Misol Ha, two of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Mexico. After a refreshing swim in a natural pool, we will continue to San Cristobal de las Casas.
3* Hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas
Breakfast
Day 7: San Cristobal – San Juan Chamula & Zinacatan – San Cristobal
Today’s destination is the village of San Juan Chamula. San Juan Chamula is one of several Tzotzil communities located in the area of San Cristobal. Here you will learn more about ancient Mayan traditions and participate in cultural rituals.
3* Hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas
Breakfast
Day 8: San Cristobal – Panajachel (Guatemala)
Today we will leave Mexico and venture into Guatemala, known as the country of eternal spring. First we will visit the northern town of Panajachel in the Western Highlands. The city is located at the northern shore of the enchanting Atitlán lake.
2* Hotel in Panajachel
Breakfast
Day 9: Panajachel – San Juan La Laguna
Today you will take a boat and cross Lake Atitlan to get to San Juan La Laguna. This town is much quieter than many of the other ones around the lake so it’s the perfect place to quietly relax and commune with nature. As you walk through the streets you will encounter many painters combining the 'Naive Painting Style' with the 'Eagly Eye Style'. Agriculture and especially the coffee production are one of the most important parts of the economy here. In the evening we will return to Panajachel.
2* Hotel in Panajachel
Breakfast
Day 10: Panajachel – Antigua
Today you will travel to Antigua, a UNESCO world heritage site. Antigua Guatemala was the cultural, economic, religious, political and educational center for the entire region until the capital was moved. You have the entire afternoon to explore this city as you wish.
2* Hotel in Antigua
Breakfast
Day 11: Antigua
Today you will get to know Antigua within a guided city tour. In the afternoon you will have time to shop unique souvenirs like textiles, jade and silver.
2* Hotel in Antigua
Breakfast
Day 12: Antigua – Rio Dulce
Enjoy scenic views of a tropical river as you travel from Antigua to the town of Rio Dulce. Rio Dulce (“Sweet River”) is located in the northeast region of Izabel. The river is part of the much larger Izabal lake. A bridge connects the citys Rio Dulce and El Rellenos with each other. Take a tranquil boat ride through these lovely towns (optional).
2* Hotel in Rio Dulce
Breakfast
Day 13: Rio Dulce - Free Day
Enjoy a free day to participate in activities! We recommend visiting the impressive citadel Castillo San Felipe, the ancient Mayan Ruins of Quirigua, the beautiful Finca Paraiso Hot-spring Waterfall and the Rio Dulce National Park. There surely is something which catches your interest!
2* Hotel in Rio Dulce
Breakfast
Day 14: Rio Dulce – Flores
Today we’re off to Flores, a beautiful town near the Lake Petén. You will once again have the whole afternoon to participate in optional activities like the visit to the Las Guacamayas Biological Station, the Mayan Ruins of Uaxactun, Ixpanpajul Nature Park, a round trip to Tzimin Chac to see the sunset or just a walk around the enchanting town.
3* Hotel in Flores
Breakfast
Day 15: Flores – San Ignacio (Belize)
In the morning you will be given a guided tour of the Tikal Ruins. After lunch we will leave Guatemala and cross the border at San Ignacio into Belize. Nestled between Guatemala, Mexico, and the Caribbean Seat, Belize is a constitutional monarchy that was originally called British Honduras. Belize has beautiful beaches and lush rainforests as well as a thrilling colonial history and significant cultural diversity. Look forward to explore this beautiful country!
3* Hotel in San Ignacio
Breakfast
Day 16: San Ignacio - Free Day
There are no activities planned for today so you can book any of the optional activities you wish! San Ignacio is very close to Belize's famous Mayan ruins and offers plenty of exciting outdoor activities including caving, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and more!
3* Hotel in San Ignacio
Breakfast
Day 17: San Ignacio – Belize City – Caye Caulker
Today travelers will journey to Belize´s capital where they will take a water taxi to a small island full of surprises. It is a friendly, easy going town, so let yourself be influenced by the calmness, rest and recover. We will spend three relaxing nights here. On early British maps the island's name is spelled "Cay Corker." Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada. It has been suggested that the named comes from colonial times, when the island was a favorite stop for sailors to replenish their water bottles.
3* Hotel in Caye Caulker
Breakfast
Day 18: Caye Caulker - Free Day
Make the most of the following day on the island relaxing at the beach or exploring the spectacular coral reef. Snorkel tours and dive boats leave daily for full or half day tours to the "Blue Hole". There are also plenty of places to shop and to try the local food.
3* Hotel in Caye Caulker
Breakfast
Day 19: Caye Caulker – Laguna Bacalar
After breakfast we will drive you to the Mexican Chetumal by boat. We will continue our journey by bus to the beautiful Laguna Bacalar. The second largest Mexican lake is fed by 7 different cenotes (underground lakes) and is therefore called the seven-colored lagoon.
3* Hotel in Playa del Carmen
Breakfast
Day 20: Laguna Bacalar - Tulum - Playa del Carmen
On your way back to Playa del Carmen you will stop at the Maya ruins of Tulum. Tulum, meaning "wall" in the Mayan language, has large ruins from its former years as an important trading center. Immerse yourself in archaeological importance and enjoy this city on the sea.
3* Hotel in Playa del Carmen
Breakfast
Day 22: Departure
The end of your tour has arrived and it’s time to return home and say goodbye to your new friends. Our friendly staff can help you book your departure transfer to the Airport or some extra nights if you still do not want to leave!
Breakfast
Tour Information
Here you will find important information about The Mayan Trail tour. Be aware that you may need to get some vaccinations in advance. This trip includes several excursions, but there is also allocated time for optional activities. Let one of our friendly tour guides help you book any additional adventures.
Important advice regarding entry and exit, necessary vaccinations and general information about the country and people can be found here. If you have any further questions one of our staff members would be more than happy to help.
What's included?
- 21 nights in hotels, with breakfast
- Private transfers throughout the entire trip
- Professional English-speaking tour guide, and local guides
- Support at border crossings
- Entrance fee to Chichén Itzá, Palenque and Tikal
- Water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker to Chetumal
What's not included?
- International flights to and from
- Transfers to and from airport
- Travel insurance
- Optional offers/activities and services
- Guatemala entrance/departure tax (20 GTQ/$3.50 CAD)
- Belize entrance/departure tax (20 GTQ/$3.50 CAD)
- Other meals not listed above
- Tips and gratuities
Prices and Dates for the Mayan Trail Tour
* prices listed are per person
Additional Information:
- International flight IN/OUT not include (price on request)
- Do you have any general questions for SC Travel Adventures? Would you like to request a special quote or give us a suggestion? Please feel free contact us.